circumstance

[sur-kuhm-stans, -stuhns] / ˈsɜr kəmˌstæns, -stəns /

NOUN

situation, condition

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accident action case cause coincidence crisis detail event fact factor fate incident matter occurrence status thing time

STRONG

adjunct affair article concern contingency destiny doom element episode exigency feature fortuity go happening happenstance intervention item juncture kismet lot occasion particular phase place point portion proviso respect scene stipulation supervention

WEAK

Moira where it's at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

plan

STRONG

whole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And since losses from some of those shorts could be unlimited, the covering of those positions could trigger a stampede of buying, a circumstance known on Wall Street as a short squeeze.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

“Regardless of your economic circumstance, everybody wants to keep their cellphone on.”

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Jo Boydell, CEO of Travelodge, said: "I apologise to all of those people that have had a frightening circumstance."

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

In a strange circumstance, Cuba even achieved its independence as a result of the American victory in the Spanish-American War.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

In deciding which style to use in a given circumstance, it is decorum that shapes your choice.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Vocabulary lists containing circumstance

List 8

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Around and Around: Circum

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Excerpt from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!